Overworking players? No, we are training less, says Conte

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has responded to claims that players are fatigued because of his intensive training methods.

Critics accused the Italian of starting an injury crisis at Chelsea by overworking the players in training. There are currently no less than five players among which David Luiz, Tiemoue Bakayako, N’Golo Kante, and Victor Moses sidelined due to injuries. Conte, however, believes that it’s actually the other way around.

“I don’t know about this.” Conte answered when asked directly, “I have my methods. It’s the same like last season when we won the league.

“Honestly, I think we are working maybe 70 per cent less than last season and maybe for this reason we have trouble.

“In the tactical aspect and physical aspect, when you play every three days it is impossible to work on these aspects and you have to pay less attention in every detail.

Conte has been linked with a return to Italy as of late, but the Italian insists he is committed to Chelsea.

He said: “I think every coach and every manager has to feel the pressure. But I put all of myself into my job and for this reason I am happy.

“When I go to my house I know in every moment I put myself into this job for this club, for the fans and the players. You know very well that anything can happen in football.”

Chelsea now face a difficult period of two weeks during which they have to play five games. This starts against Watford on Saturday.